Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546020
A dispute over the manage- ment of ducks in Għajnsielem has escalated after an ani- mal welfare advocate accused the local council of failing to properly care for the animals, claims strongly rejected by mayor Kevin Cauchi. In a F a c e - book post, Għajnsielem & Gozo Cats alleged that ducks at the site were being kept in poor conditions, with claims of dirty enclosures, al- gae-filled water containers, litter and broken glass around the pond area. It said they had returned to Għajnsielem after help- ing ducks in Marsalforn and found what they described as unacceptable conditions, alleging that there was "not a drop" of fresh water availa- ble for the ducks at the time of their visit. Questions were subsequently raised on the ef- fectiveness of the council's an- imal steward service, claiming that the steward spent only a short time at the site and that basic tasks, including cleaning and monitoring the animals' welfare, were not being car- ried out. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 31 JULY 2026 • ISSUE 104 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday CONTINUES PAGE 7 €1.00 Personal Loans NEW BOAT? All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. The term of the loan must not go beyond re rement age. Issued by Bank of Valle a p.l.c. 58, Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valle a VLT 1130. Bank of Valle a p.l.c. is regulated by the MFSA and licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta). Compe ve Interest Rates Ghajnsielem council rejects animal welfare claims Gozo theatres receive €80,000 annual cultural funding LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt CONTINUES PAGE 3 GOZO'S theatres benefit from financial assistance through the Gozo Cultural Support Programme, with beneficiar- ies receiving €80,000 annually over a three-year period, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri has revealed in a parliamentary re- ply. THE information emerged after PN Gozo shadow min- ister Frank Anthony Tabone asked the minister to provide a breakdown of the budget al- located this year for each in- dividual production staged, or due to be staged, at the Manoel Theatre and other theatres in Malta, as well as in Gozo. Left inset: A dead duck found in Ghajnsielem, which an animal welfare advocate is claiming was caused by a failure to properly care for the animals. Above: File photo Animal advocate accuses council of neglect regarding Għajnsielem ducks, mayor Kevin Cauchi rejects claims, says council does not have 'the human and financial resources to maintain an animal park in this area'